Rajasthan ATS Disrupts Illegal Aadhaar Scheme; Key Suspect Arrested
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Jaipur, April 17 (NationPress) In a significant achievement as part of an ongoing statewide initiative aimed at enhancing internal security and combating cybercrime, the Rajasthan Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), in collaboration with the Hanumangarh district police, dismantled an illicit Aadhaar enrolment facility in Bhadra and apprehended the main suspect, Kuldeep Sharma, at the scene.
This operation was prompted by confidential information received by the ATS Jaipur Unit regarding the fraudulent production of Aadhaar cards at a location near the Arya Samaj Dharamshala in Bhadra.
Dinesh M.N., Additional Director General of Police (ATS & AGTF), noted that the operation was conducted under the oversight of ATS Inspector General Rajesh Singh and Deputy Inspector General Yogesh Yadav, with field leadership from Superintendent of Police Gyanchand Yadav.
During the raid, the suspect was discovered operating the center using the login credentials of various authorized personnel. Authorities seized rubber dummy fingerprints and printed iris images intended to circumvent biometric verification systems.
The suspect was also caught forging signatures on enrollment receipts in the names of other operators. Numerous receipts and documents were confiscated from the site. Additionally, various devices utilized in the fraudulent scheme were recovered, including a laptop, printer, iris scanner, a fingerprint/palm scanner, GPS device, camera, fingerprint molds, and a mobile phone.
Initial investigations suggest that Aadhaar cards produced through this illegal operation may have facilitated the acquisition of counterfeit SIM cards, fraudulent bank accounts, and supported cybercrime or anti-national activities. Officials indicated that prompt intelligence and decisive action helped prevent a potentially grave security threat.
A case has been filed against the suspect under applicable sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act. The investigation has been delegated to the Station House Officer of Bhirani Police Station.
The suspect is currently undergoing rigorous interrogation. Investigators are actively working to identify the beneficiaries of the counterfeit Aadhaar cards and explore possible connections to interstate or organized cybercrime syndicates. A forensic examination of the confiscated electronic devices is also in progress.
This operation was executed with the full support of the Hanumangarh Police, supervised by Superintendent of Police Narendra Singh Meena and Deputy Superintendent of Police Karan Singh. Key contributions were made by ATS personnel, including Assistant Sub-Inspector Kulveer Singh and Head Constable Suresh Kumar, who provided essential intelligence. The local Bhadra police team played a crucial role in executing the raid.
This successful collaborative operation underscores the ongoing commitment of the Rajasthan Police and ATS to fight cybercrime and protect national security.